“With great power comes great responsibility,” is an evergreen quote popularized by the comic, Spider-Man. It is also one that applies to the role of sustainability in the AV industry. Indeed, as technologies continue to transform and elevate people’s lives, there is also an increasing need for more sustainable practices employed by manufacturers and integrators alike.
As we continue to set in stone the strategies in place for the year of 2025, Commercial Integrator sits down with industry veterans — Kelly Bousman, Brittney Bemb, Bobby Bernard and Tim Kersting — who underscore the importance of enforcing sustainability initiatives in the AV industry.
Not a Trend but a Necessity
“I don’t see sustainability as an emerging trend. I consider it an imperative,” begins Kelly Bousman, SVP of ESG and Sustainability at AVI-SPL. “The global shift toward decarbonization, resource efficiency and circularity is accelerating, driven by stakeholder expectations, regulatory requirements and economic incentives.” According to Bousman, companies that fail to integrate sustainability into their core strategies risk falling behind, not just in compliance but in innovation and market relevance.
Brittney Bemb, VP of integration operations at Bluewater Technologies, agrees, adding, “Sustainability in 2025 isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a must.” From her perspective, clients, especially in corporate and education, expect AV solutions that cut energy use and lower environmental impact while meeting their ESG goals. “With tighter regulations and growing environmental expectations, we need to focus on products that offer longer lifecycles, smart energy management and eco-friendly disposal or upgrade paths,” she says. In summation, it’s about delivering efficient, reliable technology that makes business sense and supports a greener future.
“Sustainability continues to be important to our clients, especially because it’s important to their customers, consumers, investors and employees,” remarks Bobby Bernard, EVP of supply chain and procurement, Diversified. According to Bernard, there’s growing interest overseas and across different states in the U.S. in creating sustainability-related legislation. “It’s clear that sustainability is good for business [where] the effort to reduce a company’s footprint leads to reduced waste, greater productivity and reduced costs,” he emphasizes.
PPDS on a Brighter Future Together
Sustainability in the AV industry is shifting and evolving at an incredible pace, driven by innovation and a keen focus on future needs. Here’s how it is happening:
■ Reimagined energy efficiency: Built-in power saving features in existing technologies, such as the unique low power standby modes in the Philips Unite LED 5000 Series All-In One, and the redesigned backlight power in the Philips Signage 3000 EcoDesign range. Both significantly reduce energy consumption without compromising on quality.
■ Championing innovative technologies: A popular portfolio addition, ePaper is set to take the industry by storm. The Philips Tableaux range incorporates E Ink’s zero power ePaper technology, enhanced with PPDS in-house developments including professional Android SoC, Power over Ethernet and Philips Wave. The PPDS product management teams’ collaboration with E Ink continues to advance ePaper, improving color accuracy for advertisers and brands.
■ Remote display management: Solutions like Philips Wave enable real-time energy optimization, extending product lifespans, and cutting costs related to fuel and maintenance, as well as saving time for SIs and fleet managers.
■ Circular initiatives: Takeback schemes are growing in popularity. We are actively working with partners to create programs for the reuse and recycling of older displays, helping reduce e-waste and extend product lifecycles.For PPDS, collaboration is key. By working with system integrators, consultants, distributors, and technology partners, we are shaping a more sustainable future in AV.
Together, we can create new efficiencies, extend product lifetimes and embrace the circular economy. Let’s display for the greater good!
Likewise, Tim Kersting, chief design officer at CTI, opines that sustainability is an expectation in today’s AV industry. He says, “Clients want partners who don’t just talk the talk but actually build sustainable practices into their business.” At CTI, he reveals, the company runs its own operations more efficiently and helps clients do the same. “We focus on reducing waste, improving energy use and making smarter supply chain choices — it’s all about real impact,” says Kersting. He further states if companies aren’t thinking this way now, they will be playing catchup soon.
How Integrators Can Incorporate Sustainability Initiatives
According to Kersting, when it comes to imbibing sustainability as part of the core business, AV integrators need to be more intentional with product selection, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability. This includes smarter system design, fewer devices, less cabling and longer-lasting technology that will reduce costs over time while meeting client needs. And when it’s time to upgrade, proper recycling of equipment and cables must be part of the process. “It’s all about doing more with less and making sustainability a standard, not an afterthought,” he states.
For Bousman, 2025 is the year where sustainability in the AV industry moves from aspiration to execution — from dreaming to doing. “At AVI-SPL, we are leaning into this shift by aligning our solutions with our customers’ sustainability goals — whether through energy-efficient collaboration technology, lower-carbon logistics strategies or scalable e-waste programs,” she says.
Bousman then advises that the real opportunity in 2025 is to transition sustainability from a cost center to a value driver. In other words, companies that proactively embrace sustainable practices — leveraging data, automation and strategic partnerships — will gain a competitive edge. “The key is not just meeting expectations but shaping them, demonstrating how sustainability enables business growth, operational resilience and long-term success,” she says.
Shure and Its Sustainability Mission
Shure has made sustainability an important part of its mission to create more energy-efficient and cost-effective AV solutions. With over 1,500 different packaging pieces for a variety of Shure’s products, converting to sustainable packaging is a primary goal and significant undertaking for the Company.
In 2024, Shure announced it achieved its goal of using 90% recyclable and/or renewable packaging for its products one year ahead of schedule. To meet this goal and shift to more sustainable packaging, Shure replaced thermoform trays with more sustainable alternatives, reduced overall plastic materials in packing, reduced the amount of literature that accompanies products, rightsized packaging for greater efficiency and reduced carbon footprint, and became a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.
Another key initiative is Shure’s rechargeable batteries. In the past five years, Shure estimates it has prevented nearly 30 million AA batteries from ending up in landfills. During one Broadway show alone, Shure prevented 21,000 AA batteries from ending up in landfill by using Shure’s rechargeable system. The company’s rechargeable batteries are projected to prevent over 100 million AA batteries from ending up in landfills by 2027.
Shure has also engineered its products to help customer reduce their overall power consumption, using less energy in “down” modes and allowing remote monitoring of power use with innovations such as Wireless Workbench Software.
Finally, Shure’s products are built to last. Shure is known for its longevity, durability and adaptive technology, which together reduce the need for frequent replacements and minimize e-waste.
How Sustainability Aligns With Profitability and AV Technology
When it comes to incorporating sustainability initiatives, Bousman adds that by taking a holistic approach that aligns sustainability with cost efficiency, AV integrators can deliver solutions that not only meet clients’ collaboration and technology needs but also help them achieve their financial and environmental goals. She remarks, “The key is proving that sustainability and profitability aren’t competing priorities — they go hand in hand.”
Bernard further observes that AV technology and sustainability also goes hand in hand. He explains, “AV Integrators should help our clients understand the mutually reinforcing relationship between AV technology and sustainability.” According to Bernard, there’s an opportunity for AV integrators to intensify their focus on understanding clients’ objectives in becoming more efficient and more sustainable, and showing how the application of AV technology can be a real enabler of that.
As an example, Bemb points to how integrators can drive sustainability and cost savings by leveraging automation, smart service models and AI-driven optimization. “Implementing systems that automatically power down devices when not in use cuts energy consumption and reduces operating costs,” she says. “In addition, offering AV-as-a-Service subscription models lets clients scale or upgrade without replacing entire systems, thereby minimizing waste — even if adoption has been slower due to accounting challenges.”
Alongside this, Bemb recommends integrating AI models for predictive maintenance and energy management which ensures that systems run efficiently, thereby reducing the need for frequent on-site interventions.
While there are several ways to implement sustainability initiatives as part of the core business model, it is not without its challenges. In the next section, we shall examine the different challenges affecting the sustainability drive in the AV industry.
Challenges for Sustainability in AV
According to Bemb, integrators face several key challenges when driving sustainability initiatives in the AV industry. “First, sustainable technologies often come with higher upfront costs,” she says. “This makes it tough to convince budget-conscious clients to invest in these solutions even though they deliver long-term savings and environmental benefits.” Another challenge is the lack of standardized regulations. “Without a clear, industry-wide framework — something that AVIXA could potentially help establish — it’s hard to ensure that sustainability efforts align consistently with varying ESG requirements,” Bemb remarks. She then reveals that managing the end-of-life of AV equipment remains a significant hurdle. “Proper disposal and recycling are logistically complex and can be costly, so many opt for less sustainable options simply to keep expenses down,” she adds.
HP | Poly Reinforces Sustainability Efforts
Sustainability is driving significant changes in the AV industry, and integrators are looking for smarter, more energy-efficient solutions that have a lasting impact. HP is fully committed to reducing waste, improving efficiency and helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals.
With a focus on circularity, HP incorporates recycled and renewable materials into its products, including ocean-bound plastics, coffee grounds and used cooking oil. To minimize waste, HP uses 100% recyclable packaging and has reduced plastic packaging by 75% across its product portfolio.
HP’s sustainability efforts are aligned with the highest industry standards. HP PCs and displays have met EPEAT Gold certification in the U.S. since 2022 and select Poly headsets carry TCO certification for sustainable design.
Energy efficiency is another key priority for HP. Since 2019, the company has reduced product energy consumption by an average of 21%, helping enterprises lower energy costs and meet regulatory mandates.
The HP Poly Studio G62 modular room solution is designed with sustainability in mind and made with up to 80% post-consumer recycled plastics and 20% recycled metals and supports low-energy operation.
From energy-efficient meeting room solutions to products designed for circularity and sustainability, HP innovations enable enterprises to reduce energy costs and advance their sustainable impact programs, without compromising on performance.
From Bousman’s perspective, one major hurdle for integrators driving sustainability initiatives is overcoming resistance to change — both internally and externally. At the same time, she observes, integrators must navigate supply-chain complexities, ensuring they and their vendors align with customer sustainability goals while dealing with inconsistent sustainability reporting across manufacturers and logistics providers. Like Bemb, Bousman also notes that the lack of industry-wide sustainability standards makes benchmarking progress and communicating impact more difficult. “Measuring and reporting sustainability efforts also require robust data collection frameworks,” she says.
Advancing the Learning Curve
For Kersting, the biggest challenge is the learning curve as sustainability takes extra effort upfront. “It means researching products, improving recycling processes and paying closer attention to manufacturing and supply chains,” he says. Kersting proclaims that clients are also raising their expectations. “So, as integrators, we will need to step up, making sure the products and services we deliver align with their sustainability goals,” he explains. “It’s a shift, but one that’s becoming essential.”
Speaking directly on efforts in reducing the impact of the scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions —indirect greenhouse gas emissions that occur outside of a company’s direct operations — Bernard says, “We’ll be working it out and I’m confident we’ll make [headwinds].” He adds that the other related challenge is implementing a process to hold the extended global supply chain to account for its sustainability practices. According to Bernard, this is a hugely complex challenge requiring extensive data, management and oversight. “It’s a challenge for all companies, not just ours, and I’m confident we’ll make progress,” he enthuses.
Likewise, Bousman sounds the note of optimism, adding, “Despite these hurdles, sustainability in AV is gaining momentum, and integrators that embed sustainability into their strategy, collaborate with industry peers and adopt data-driven solutions will position themselves as leaders in the future of sustainable AV.”
Innovation in Sustainability Solutions
According to Bemb, there are three key innovations driving sustainable technology across industries. These include:
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): By delivering both power and data through a single cable, PoE minimizes the need for extra power supplies, reducing energy use and simplifying installation.
- Advanced Display Technologies: Newer solutions like laser projectors and microLED displays outlast traditional models while using less energy, which means lower operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint.
- AI-Driven Maintenance: Remote and predictive maintenance tools cut down on unnecessary on-site visits, extend equipment life and improve overall efficiency.
Bemb also opines that hybrid workspaces offer a significant opportunity for integrators to drive sustainability. “By designing AV solutions that reduce travel-related emissions and cut on-site energy consumption, we can support companies refining their hybrid work models,” she says. From Bemb’s perspective, leveraging cloud-based collaboration tools not only minimizes the need for physical infrastructure but also enhances flexibility. “Additionally, integrating AI-driven AV analytics enables organizations to track their environmental impact in real time and optimize system usage for further efficiency gains,” she remarks.
Christie Emphasizes Sustainability Practices
Sustainability has emerged as a key driver in our integrators’ and partners’ choice of AV technology for their customers. With Christie’s decades of projection and LED videowall expertise, we recognize that technology within a space is as important, if not more critical than, the space itself in creating a sustainable environment.
Laser illumination, for instance, not only delivers the best possible visual experience due to its high brightness, and expansive color gamut, but it also reduces a product’s environmental load and consumables (no lamps to replace, less energy consumed to operate), thereby creating more efficiency and longer operational life. Moreover, we prioritize eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies in the production of our LED products.
Our award-winning Core Series III impresses with its visual performance from advanced LED technology while boasting up to 40% increased energy efficiency over our previous models. And the energy savings from our innovative MicroTiles LED platform comes from using common cathode technology, which distributes power proportionately to each RGB LED module as needed. Furthermore, users can upgrade the LED modules while maintaining the rest of the videowall infrastructure, minimizing environmental impact.
Over the years, we’ve enhanced our sustainable packaging practices and honed our well-established process to ensure compliance with international requirements, including ROHS and REACH for eliminating hazardous substances from products.
For more information, visit ChristieDigital.com.
Growth of Sustainability Initiatives in AV Industry
Kersting agrees, noting that in the AV industry, there have been major strides in energy-efficient devices, sustainable manufacturing and smarter workflows. He also underscores how AI-driven solutions for smart buildings are exciting as they’re making real-time energy optimization a reality. “As technology keeps evolving, sustainability won’t just be an add-on; it’ll be built into how we design, install and manage AV systems,” Kersting says.
For Bernard, it is incredibly exciting to see the rise of digital technology as a tool to support both improved operational performance and sustainability in a synergistic way. “For example,” he explains, “the more that companies apply telework-related technologies, the less you require use of transportation that relies on greenhouse gas-emitting fuels.” Bernard further states that partners are finding ways to make use of communication services over the cloud and edge-computing- related solutions that are not only more reliable and secure for the client, but more sustainable. “We’re also seeing our partners making great strides in reducing the carbon footprint of their hardware,” he says.
Bernard then draws attention to circular economy models where the current approach to production is from cradle to landfill. “In our industry, our partners are creating reverse supply chains to take back outmoded equipment and recycle, reuse, refurbish and/or redesign it,” he remarks. According to Bernard, this helps ease stress on the planet and saves company costs.
Bousman observes that the shift toward low-power, energy-efficient AV and IT hardware is accelerating. She reveals that sustainability-minded manufacturers now design devices that consume less energy, incorporate recycled materials and provide modular repairability to extend their lifespan. “In the commercial AV industry, we’re seeing more eco-label certifications, such as EPEAT and Energy Star, and more environmental disclosure, such as carbon-labeling and product environmental profiles,” says Bousman.
As Bousman sums it up: These innovations are driving a new era where sustainability isn’t just an afterthought but a core driver of technology design and manufacturing.
Corporate Sustainability and ESG
When asked about corporate sustainability and ESG initiatives, Kersting believes that transparency should be one of the biggest responsibilities for integrators. He explains, “Clients want to know exactly what products are being used, how they impact sustainability goals and whether they align with corporate ESG initiatives.” According to Kersting, it’s not just about meeting requirements — it is an opportunity to build trust and long-term relationships by actively helping clients achieve their sustainability objectives. “The more we can integrate sustainability into our processes, the more valuable we become as partners,” he emphasizes.
Visionary’s Dedication to Sustainability
Visionary is dedicated to sustainability by designing and developing environmentally responsible AV-over-IP solutions that prioritize energy efficiency, scalability, and long-term performance. As the demand for professional AV technology grows, Visionary remains committed to reducing the industry’s carbon footprint while delivering high-quality, innovative solutions.
One of the most significant advantages of AV-over-IP technology is its inherently modular design, which enhances sustainability. Unlike traditional fixed matrix switching, Visionary’s approach reduces material consumption, extends product lifespans, simplifies maintenance, and enables remote management, contributing to lower environmental impact. Additionally, Visionary’s energy-efficient endpoints optimize resource use, helping organizations reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
A prime example of Visionary’s sustainability efforts is its involvement in one of the world’s largest AV-over-IP deployments at Resorts World Las Vegas. During the planning phase, a power analysis revealed that by selecting Visionary’s low-power endpoints, Resorts World would reduce its carbon footprint by 532 metric tons of CO₂ annually. This savings is equivalent to eliminating 59,808 gallons of gasoline consumption or recycling 23,007 bags of waste instead of sending them to landfills. The energy efficiency of Visionary’s endpoints also translates to financial benefits, with annual energy cost savings exceeding $60,000.
Many AV-over-IP devices today are over-engineered, consuming excessive power due to unnecessary features. Visionary challenges this industry norm by designing streamlined solutions that align with real-world system requirements. By focusing on energy efficiency and practical functionality, Visionary continues to lead the AV industry toward a more sustainable future.
Echoing this train of thought, Bernard adds that integrators need to ask clients what sustainability needs and expectations they have and accordingly apply AV technologies to achieve those needs. “Good AV integrators understand our clients’ needs and develop intimate familiarity with the capabilities of our partners,” he advises. “We need to engage with our partners to see how they are increasingly embedding sustainability features and services in their products and offerings.”
According to Bemb, it is also important to stay current on compliance and certification standards such as LEED, WELL and BREEAM. “Although these certifications aren’t yet prevalent in AV integration, keeping abreast of changes will ensure that your solutions continue to meet evolving corporate sustainability requirements,” she states.
For Bousman, sustainability and ESG should be integrated into core business strategy rather than treated as a standalone initiative. “The most successful ESG programs don’t just check a compliance box — they drive cost savings, operational efficiency and innovation,” she remarks. By embedding sustainability into solution design, procurement, logistics, technology lifecycle management and service delivery, Bousman states integrators can create long-term value while helping customers achieve their own ESG goals.
Looking to a Greener Future
Emphasizing the growing role of sustainability in AV, Bernard reveals that Diversified already has several initiatives underway. “We’re currently in the midst of setting a target to reduce our carbon emissions,” he reveals. “We’ve also set a sustainability policy and followed that up with expectations for the way our staff behave and which suppliers we choose.” According to Bernard, Diversified is actively working with customers to understand their expectations and needs and working with them to meet those expectations. “I also think we’re placing more attention on the enabling role that AV can play to help our clients improve their sustainability,” he says.
Kersting then adds, “We’re going to see more focus on sustainability across the board from product design, manufacturing, installation and entire project lifecycle management.” He also recommends manufacturers to push for energy-efficient products and sustainable materials, while integrators need to prioritize efficiency, automation and better recycling practices. “The days of excessive cabling and waste are gone — We see smarter and leaner systems as the way forward,” remarks Kersting.
SiliconCore Designs Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Into DVLED Displays
As the originators of Common Cathode Technology for fine pixel pitch DVLED displays, SiliconCore has consistently designed its product to be more power efficient while increasing its performance year over year.
This year is no different. While others are finally catching up to the next wave of displays with common cathode technology, SiliconCore is setting the pace once more with its Common Cathode IQ (CCIQ) driver chip technology. This is an advancement of its patented common cathode technology with even more power efficiency and greater performance output. The products using its CCIQ driver chips experience 10% to 40% lower power than off-the-shelf common cathode imitators, and with higher performance characteristics such as 240Hz refresh rates and even higher dynamic ranges with .05 nit low level brightness. The displays can be brighter and more versatile with greater efficiencies in power. For example, a 1080P 135-inch display can run at power lower than a toaster and generate even less heat.
Sustainable design is at the core of SiliconCore, and with the recent launch of its Enlighten COB Series, the company is redefining energy-efficient DVLED displays well into the future. Beyond design efficiency, the next generation of product using Common Cathode IQ supports broader ESG initiatives by reducing energy demand and HVAC reliance, further lowering carbon footprints.
With improved heat dissipation, a thinner design and greater durability, SiliconCore designs the future of sustainable DVLED technology, proving that cutting-edge performance and environmental responsibility can coexist.
Bousman anticipates sustainability in AV shifting from a niche consideration to a fundamental business requirement. She states, “Companies that embrace sustainability not just as a compliance necessity — but as an innovation driver — will lead the next phase of industry growth.”
Sustainability Practices in the AV Industry
Collecting all these points together, Bemb proclaims that sustainability practices in commercial AV are set to evolve along three key fronts:
- Energy Efficiency and Smart Power Management: Expect more systems built with smart features that reduce energy use, cutting both costs and emissions.
- Repairability and Responsible Disposal: A stronger focus on repair, reuse, and responsible disposal will help minimize e-waste.
- Shift to Software-Defined Solutions: As AV moves from hardware-centric to cloud-based, software-driven models, material waste will decrease significantly.
“These trends not only support environmental goals but also drive operational efficiency and cost savings,” she emphasizes.
Final Thoughts
Bousman accentuates the power of collaboration in driving sustainability forward. “No single company can solve the environmental challenges we face alone,” she proclaims, “and the AV industry has a unique opportunity to work together across the value chain — from manufacturers to integrators to end users — to create a more sustainable future.”
Kersting, too, points out that there are great resources available in the industry, like AVIXA and the SAVe (Sustainability in AV) initiative program that help navigate the process. He thus advises, “the small contributions from many people can lead to a significant impact.”
Peerless-AV Commits to Eco-Friendly Practices
As sustainability continues to gain importance in the AV industry, Peerless-AV has demonstrated a strong commitment to eco-friendly practices. Since 2020, we have maintained our ISO 14001:2015 Certification, an international standard for effective environmental management systems (EMS), ensuring that we are actively measuring and improving our environmental impact.
In addition, we proudly scored 160/200 on the MindClick Environmental Health Index, which evaluates the sustainability performance of suppliers and their products. This recognition reflects our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, minimize waste through improved packaging and end-of-use practices, and deliver sustainable content.
To further prioritize reducing our carbon footprint, Peerless-AV offers a Recycle Program for Hospitality Wall Mounts. This program grants credit to customers who provide proof of properly recycled Peerless-AV hospitality wall mounts, promoting waste prevention even once products have been sold. All these efforts align with the growing demand for energy-efficient, cost-effective solutions in the AV industry
Kersting then states that integrators must be methodical in their approach to sustainability. He says, “Focusing on small, incremental changes that can guide your business over the next few years is more achievable, in my opinion.” From his perspective, trying to implement everything at once can be overwhelming and difficult to sustain in the long run. “Sustainability isn’t something you can achieve overnight — it takes time and a focused approach,” concludes Kersting.
